Why Install a High Temperature Air Source Heat Pump?
Heat pumps move heat from the air to your home, rather than generating it like a traditional boiler. This means they’re more efficient than a gas boiler.
But there’s one thing that’s holding them back from becoming more common in the UK: cost. They’re more expensive to buy and run than regular heat pumps – by around 25%, on average.
Cost
High temperature air source heat pumps are a cost-effective way to replace gas boilers in homes. They’re suitable for more properties than low-temperature models and don’t require you to replace your radiators or install additional insulation – something that’s difficult for many homeowners to undertake.
As with all heat pump systems, the price you pay for a high temperature unit depends on the size and capacity of your home. You can expect to spend anywhere from $2,500 to $5,000 for a two-ton unit to almost $10,000 for a five-ton one.
You’ll also need to factor in the efficiency rating of your new air-source heat pump, which is measured by the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) and the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The more efficient a system is, the lower it will cost to operate.
In general, a heat pump that produces more than 3,000 BTUs is the best choice for a 400 square foot home that needs to be cooled and heated efficiently. The smallest units are typically able to produce only 2,000 BTUs, while larger models can output up to 9,000 BTUs.
However, a higher HSPF will make your heating bills higher than the average for a similar property. This is a trade-off that you must weigh up against the benefits of using a high-temperature system, including being able to replace your gas boiler without needing to replace your radiators or install additional insulation.
Another key consideration is whether or not you want to use your heat pump for space heating and water heating. If so, the heat pump’s flow temperature should be around 55 degC to ensure that your heating system can effectively provide both types of heating.
A high temperature air source heat pump is not only an excellent alternative to traditional gas-fired boilers, it’s also environmentally friendly. It emits no carbon dioxide or nitrogen oxide, which are harmful pollutants when burning fuels such as gas or oil.
Besides being energy efficient, the main advantage of air source heat pumps is their long lifespans, which can extend to 20 years or more with regular maintenance. They also don’t require any storage of fuel such as oil or wood pellets, which can be expensive and take up valuable space in a house.
Efficiency
Air source heat pumps are an excellent low-carbon heating system, consuming less energy than gas boilers. They also reduce emissions significantly, cutting carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide by up to 40%.
They can be used as a replacement for a traditional boiler or gas central heating system, with a variety of options available. For example, Daikin offers a wall-mounted heat pump and hot water cylinder that can provide domestic hot water up to 70degC. The company also produces a floor-standing heat pump with a separate hot water cylinder, which is another option for many people.
The efficiency of a high temperature air source heat pump can be significantly higher than that of a conventional unit, with efficiencies around 80%. This is because a heat pump’s compressor and evaporator coil operate at a higher temperature than the outdoor air temperatures it is capturing.
This can be especially important if you high temperature air source heat pump live in an area with extreme cold winters, or in areas where there is no electricity, as it can save you money on your heating bills. However, there are some limitations.
During very hot weather, a high temperature heat pump may not be able to extract enough useful heat from the outdoor air. This is because the outdoor air is often saturated with moisture and the compressor needs to work harder.
There are a number of solutions for this problem, including installing more outdoor units (which can take up more space in your garden), using underfloor heating or replacing the existing radiators with larger low temperature ones.
In addition, some high temperature heat pumps use natural refrigerants, which are a more environmentally friendly option. This allows them to deliver a higher COP and can make them more affordable than electric models.
A heat pump’s efficiency can also be influenced by its age and condition. Older models are generally more inefficient and therefore produce lower COPs than newer, more efficient ones. For this reason, it is important to check the output temperature of any heat pump before you purchase it.
Installation
A high temperature air source heat pump is a great way to replace your gas boiler or oil heater, saving you money on energy bills and earning you money through the Renewable Heat Incentive. However, you need to know exactly what you’re getting into before choosing to install one of these energy-efficient heating appliances.
The first step in the installation process is to have your home inspected by an engineer. They will assess your heating needs, how large your home is and what type of heating you currently have. They will also look at how you want the heat to be distributed in your home (radiators, underfloor heating or both) and whether a ducted or ductless system would be best for you.
After the inspector has done their work, they will provide you with an estimate of what the cost of the installation would be. This will include the cost of a new heat pump, and any other costs related to it.
Once the estimate is complete, you can decide whether or not to move forward with the installation. You may need to pay a deposit upfront, but the rest of the cost will be covered when your new system is installed.
Most of the time, you will need to get a certified technician to complete the installation. This includes connecting the indoor unit to a new ductwork network in your home and setting up the outdoor unit.
This can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks on average, depending on how many indoor units you have and what kind of ductwork the installers need to use. The ductwork can be in the attic, basement or other parts of the house.
When the installation is completed, you’ll be able to high temperature air source heat pump use your heat pump for heating and cooling. You can even install sensors to monitor the temperature in different areas of your home, which will help you adjust the heating accordingly.
The efficiency of your high temperature air source heat pump will vary, depending on the temperatures it runs at during the year. It is advisable to keep it running at the lowest temperatures possible in order to maximize its efficiency, and to only run it at its highest temperatures when you need to use it.
Maintenance
If you’re looking for a cost-effective, environmentally-friendly way to heat and cool your home, you should consider a high temperature air source heat pump. They offer similar comfort and efficiency to gas boilers without requiring you to replace your radiators, install extra insulation or change your heating controls.
There are a few simple maintenance tasks you can do to keep your air source heat pump running at its peak performance. You can clean your filters and coils regularly, turn the fan on and off to ensure there are no issues with airflow, and check that the unit is firmly mounted to avoid damage and possible problems.
Coils and filters are prone to buildup of dirt and dust, so it’s important to clean them periodically. Dirty filters can cause the system to work on reduced capacity, which means it won’t be able to provide enough heat or cooling for your property.
You should also check the condenser and fans to make sure they are in good condition. A broken fan can reduce airflow and increase energy usage. You should also check the refrigerant level to ensure there are no leaks that could compromise your unit’s ability to work efficiently.
One of the biggest costs associated with a high temperature air source heat pump is repair and replacement parts. These can be costly, especially if you have an older model that has developed a fault or hasn’t been properly maintained.
However, if you maintain your system correctly and get professional service at least once a year, it should last for around 20 years. This is comparable to the average lifetime of a traditional boiler, so it’s worth investing in a little TLC for your unit.
Changing the filter is a simple maintenance task that can help improve performance and prevent your unit from overworking and causing damage. A clogged air filter will reduce the airflow within the system and decrease the ability of your heat pump to work effectively, so it’s essential to change your filters every few months.
You can also check whether the pressure valves are working properly and if your TRVs (thermostatic radiator valves) are responding to commands from the thermostat. If you notice anything that seems wrong, call a professional to get it fixed as soon as possible.
